verderben
/fɛɐ̯ˈdɛʁbən/
The English phrase 'mar' corresponds to the German verb verderben.
verderben is used to describe spoiling or ruining the quality or appearance of something. This can apply to physical objects, such as food going bad or to abstract concepts, such as ruining a surprise or spoiling a person's character.
Which one should you use?
The word 'mar' is a colloquial, shortened form of the verb verderben.
How do you pronounce it?
/fɛɐ̯ˈdɛʁbən/
Did you know?
- The verb verderben contains a hidden history of mortality, as it originally meant 'to perish' or 'to die' in Middle High German.
- When used reflexively as sich verderben, the phrase can describe someone's health or eyesight deteriorating over time.
- The structure of the word involves the prefix 'ver-', which in German often indicates a process that leads to a negative or wrong result.
Examples in context
- Der Regen wird uns das Picknick verderben.The rain will spoil our picnic.
- Zu viel Salz kann das Gericht verderben.Too much salt can ruin the dish.
- Lass dir die Überraschung nicht verderben.Don't let the surprise be ruined for you.
Example conversation
Felix and Sarah are talking about a bad review of a movie.
- FelixDie schlechte Kritik wird mir den Film verderben.The bad review will ruin the movie for me.
- SarahAch Felix, schau ihn dir einfach an.Oh Felix, just watch it anyway.
- FelixIch habe Angst, dass es mir den Spaß verdirbt.I am afraid it will ruin the fun for me.
- SarahDas wird bestimmt nicht passieren, Schatz.That definitely won't happen, darling.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry verderben, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries verderben, CC BY-SA 4.0.
